Pickens County, SC (September 5, 2026) – A 64-year-old woman died on Friday morning after a car crossed the center line and struck an SUV on Highway 183.
The woman was identified as Barbara Dean Walls of Easley, according to the Pickens County Coroner’s Office. The driver of the SUV was flown to a hospital for treatment after the collision.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the car was traveling south when it crossed the center line shortly before 9 a.m. Walls was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the coroner’s office.
The circumstances surrounding the wreck remain under investigation. We extend our deepest sympathies to Barbara Dean Walls’ family and loved ones.
How Do Head-on Crashes Cause Serious Injuries?
Head-on crashes can be especially severe because two vehicles may meet while traveling in opposite directions. The combined forces can cause substantial damage to both vehicles and increase the risk of serious harm to occupants.
Seat belts provide important protection by helping keep occupants inside the vehicle and reducing movement during a collision. Airbags also work with seat belts to provide additional protection during certain types of impacts.
Crossing the center line can happen for several reasons, including distraction, impairment, fatigue, or difficulty maintaining control. Staying focused, maintaining a safe speed, and keeping within the proper lane can help reduce the risk of a head-on accident.
